We Know There Is a Better Way
Witnessing the heartbreaking struggles of individuals rebuilding after substance use disorder, disability, incarceration, homelessness, or veteran challenges, we saw countless programs—but devastating gaps that left people vulnerable.
That's why we founded Restart Smarter: to bridge those gaps with comprehensive housing, health care, job placement, career training, and digital/financial literacy. Together, we're empowering lives with a fresh, smart start.
Rebuilding Lives: How Restart Smarter Will Support Every Step of the Journey
Comprehensive Services Tailored to Individual Needs
Restart Smarter in New Jersey is dedicated to providing a holistic, comprehensive approach to support individuals facing various life challenges. Whether recovering from addiction, managing a disability, experiencing homelessness, transitioning from incarceration, or adjusting to veteran status, our program will offer customized housing, healthcare, job placement, and career training services.
It Starts With Safe Housing
A smarter future begins with a solid roof overhead. At Restart Smarter, we believe that safe, stable housing is the cornerstone of recovery and self-sufficiency. We believe no one can heal, learn, or thrive without a secure place to call home. That’s why our program will provide accessible, supportive residential options—from transitional units with on-site wellness support to supporting the location and settling into permanent homes, including with adaptive modifications for disabled residents. For those exiting incarceration, battling substance use disorder, or fleeing homelessness, our housing programs offer more than shelter: they deliver dignity, safety, and a launchpad for health, employment, and long-term success.
The Smarter Living Plan: Personalized, Purposeful, Powerful
From day one, each participant partners with our dedicated team to co-create a Smarter Living Plan — a tailored roadmap built on their unique strengths, challenges, dreams, and goals. We assess needs holistically, then weave together safe housing, immediate job placement, essential healthcare, digital and financial literacy, and long-term career training into a clear, achievable path forward.
Because no two journeys are the same, every plan is different. Whether recovering from addiction, overcoming disability, rebuilding after incarceration, or rising from homelessness, Restart Smarter is designed to empower our participants to not just survive — but thrive. One life transformed strengthens families, uplifts communities, and builds a smarter future for all.
Strategic Partnerships: Building What’s Missing
Restart Smarter collaborates with governments and organizations that share our belief: everyone deserves a real chance to rebuild. We leverage proven programs in housing, healthcare, employment, and recovery — while boldly addressing the gaps that leave people behind.
Where solutions don’t exist, we create them. From digital literacy workshops to adaptive career pathways, we don’t just use what’s available — we rethink, redesign, and restart smarter, together.
By partnering with us, you’re not just supporting change — you’re shaping it.
Founding Board of Trustees
Justin Beideman
Founding Trustee
Justin has worked with our Executive Director, Terri, for many years—bringing to fruition a multitude of projects for her and her clients, including central roles in research projects that brought improved technology to our food supply chain.
Justin's attention to detail and unique insights have proven invaluable, and we are thankful that he brings his perspective to Restart Smarter.
Terri Beideman
Founder and Executive Director
Terri has extensive experience in building non-profits, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing intricate programs.
After a lifetime of personally experiencing people falling through the cracks in the existing social safety net, Terri knew there had to be a better way. Her vision of highly-integrated and comprehensive programs that bridge the gaps serves as the foundation of the programs we will provide.
Gabriela Martinez
Founding Trustee
Restart Smarter is honored that Gabby has chosen us to be the first Board of Trustees that she has ever been a part of.
Gabby, a Registered Pharmacy Technician with education in the dental field, has witnessed the gaps in public health that have failed so many people. Gabby strongly supports giving people second chances—a hand up, not a hand out.
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